What is a Ryokan? Ryokans are the best way to experience Japanese culture and enjoy the true comforts of Japanese hospitality and service.
Hot springs have a very long history in Japan, and they are an intimate part of Japanese culture. There are over 3,000 "onsen" ,or hot springs, in Japan. Many can be found at the ryokans available on Japanese Guest Houses.
The Shimabara Peninsula, a volcanic region in Kyushu (Nagasaki Prefecture), is where the 17th century Shimabara Rebellion occurred. This revolt worried the ruling government because it was led by Japanese Christians, a minority that was soon weakened and driven underground. Mount Unzen (Unzendake) is a series of overlapping, active volcanoes on the Shimabara Peninsula, and it is home to beautiful natural scenery as well as a number of hot spring resorts. Shimabara Peninsula is also the location of Shimabara-shi, a city of about 50,000 people. Shimabara Castle, as well as the nearby samurai street where three samurai houses have been restored and opened for public viewing, are the main tourist attractions of the city. The city is also famous for its hot springs. For more information about Shimabara please see our travel content partner Japan-Guide.
